Method, system and computer program product for searching an electronic version of a paper

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, on a first date, a computer system receives a watch list term that is specified by a user. The computer system receives an electronic version of a paper on a second date after the first date, and the computer system searches the electronic version for the watch list term, without the user specifying the watch list term after the first date, and without the user initiating the searching after the first date. The computer system outputs a result of the searching for display on a display device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/690,368, filed Oct. 16, 2000, byJones et al., entitled METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FORDISPLAYING A VERSION OF A PAPER, which: (a) is assigned to the assigneeof this application; (b) is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety; and (c) claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/208,015, filed May 26, 2000, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPREPARING PRINTED MATTER FOR DELIVERY TO PERSONAL COMPUTERS, namingBilly P. Taylor as inventor. Also, this application relates to thefollowing U.S. Patent Applications, filed Oct. 16, 2000, by Billy P.Taylor, which are assigned to the assignee of this application: (a)co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/690,366, entitled METHOD,SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR EMBEDDING A HYPERLINK WITHIN AVERSION OF A PAPER; (b) co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/690,199, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING A HYPERLINK REFERENCEAND EMBEDDING THE HYPERLINK REFERENCE WITHIN AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF APAPER; (c) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/690,680, entitled METHODAND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A SELECTABLE PORTION OF A DIGITAL VERSION OFA MASS-PRODUCED PRINTED PAPER, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,850,260; (d)co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/690,367, entitled METHODAND SYSTEM FOR TRANSLATING A DIGITAL VERSION OF A PAPER; and (e) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/690,677, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FORREPLACING CONTENT IN A DIGITAL VERSION OF A MASS-PRODUCED PRINTED PAPER,issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,273.

BACKGROUND

The disclosures herein relate generally to information processingsystems, and more particularly to a method, system and computer programproduct for searching an electronic version of a paper.

Newspapers, magazines, trade journals, and other periodicals andmass-produced printed papers have existed in various forms for severalhundred years. Many consumers consider such papers to be highlycredible, entertaining and/or efficient sources of information. Incontrast, many consumers may view the appearance of an Internet site(“website”) as being less appealing and more cumbersome to navigate.

Publishers of mass-produced printed papers have encountered decliningreadership and increasing production costs. In response, many of thesepublishers have established respective websites to display some, butoften not all, of the printed content of their papers. Nevertheless,many of these websites have failed to generate adequate revenue tosupport themselves. One reason could be that many consumers may view theappearance of such a website as being less appealing than a hardcopyversion of the paper and more cumbersome to navigate.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for a method, system and computer programproduct for searching an electronic version of a paper, in whichconsumers may view the appearance of the electronic version as being atleast as appealing as a hardcopy version of the paper and lesscumbersome to navigate.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, on a first date, a computer system receives a watchlist term that is specified by a user. The computer system receives anelectronic version of a paper on a second date after the first date, andthe computer system searches the electronic version for the watch listterm, without the user specifying the watch list term after the firstdate, and without the user initiating the searching after the firstdate. The computer system outputs a result of the searching for displayon a display device.

A principal advantage of this embodiment is that various shortcomings ofprevious techniques are overcome. For example, a principal advantage ofthis embodiment is that consumers may view the appearance of theelectronic version as being at least as appealing as a hardcopy versionof the paper and less cumbersome to navigate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to theillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a representative one of the computersystems of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a is an illustration of a screen of a prior art website of aperiodical.

FIG. 3 b is an illustration of a first screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 c is an illustration of a second screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 d is an illustration of a third screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 e is an illustration of a first toolbar displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 f is an illustration of a fourth screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 g is an illustration of a fifth screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 h is an illustration of a sixth screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 i is an illustration of a seventh screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 j is an illustration of a second toolbar displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 k is an illustration of an eighth screen displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 l is an illustration of a ninth screen, a tenth screen, and aneleventh screen displayable by a display device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 m is an illustration of a first menu box displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 n is an illustration of a twelfth screen and a thirteenth screendisplayable by a display device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 o is an illustration of a fourteenth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 p is an illustration of a fifteenth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 q is an illustration of a sixteenth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 r is an illustration of a seventeenth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 s is an illustration of an eighteenth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 t is an illustration of a nineteenth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 u is an illustration of a twentieth screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 v is an illustration of a twenty-first screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 w is an illustration of a twenty-second screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 x is an illustration of a twenty-third screen displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 y is an illustration of a second menu box displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 z is an illustration of a third menu box displayable by a displaydevice of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 aa is an illustration of a fourth menu box displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 bb is an illustration of a fifth menu box displayable by adisplay device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of an operation performed bythe system of FIG. 1 for translating a digital version of amass-produced printed paper.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of a format in the system of FIG. 1for storing a digital version of a mass-produced printed paper.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation performed by thesystem of FIG. 1 for forming hyperlinks within a digital version of amass-produced printed paper.

FIG. 7 a is a flowchart of an embodiment of operations performed by thesystem of FIG. 1 for performing various functions with a digital versionof a mass-produced printed paper.

FIG. 7 b is a first extension of the flowchart of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7 c is a second extension of the flowchart of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7 d is a third extension of the flowchart of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8 a is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation performed bythe system of FIG. 1 for creating a list of watch list terms.

FIG. 8 b is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation performed bythe system of FIG. 1 for searching a digital version of a mass-producedprinted paper in response to a list of watch list terms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system, indicated generally at100, according to the illustrative embodiment. A mass-produced printedpaper includes any mass-produced printed material (e.g., paper,newsprint, newspaper, or other hardcopy document) that is distributed toa large audience, as for example by mass-market publication ordistribution to a large private audience. Mass-produced includes beingmanufactured in large quantities, as for example by assembly-linetechniques. Mass-market includes being of, relating to, or produced forconsumption by large numbers of people. Publication includes thedistribution of printed material to the public by sale or other transferof ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending, including for example theoffering to distribute printed material to a group of persons forpurposes of further distribution, public performance, or public display.Hardcopy includes a printed copy of the output of a computer or wordprocessor or other device.

In FIG. 1, content publisher computer systems 102 a, 102b, and 102 coutput versions of mass-produced printed papers (e.g. periodicals) to asystem 110. System 110 includes (a) an aggregation system 112 forreceiving such versions from systems 102 a, 102 b, and 102 c and (b) acontent preparation system 114 for translating such versions from afirst format to a second format. Also, system 110 includes a contentdelivery system 116 for receiving the translated versions from system114 and outputting the translated versions through a network 120 (e.g. aglobal communications network) to other computer systems. For example, ahome customer computer system 132 (e.g. a personal computer system), atraveling customer computer system 134 (e.g. a laptop computer system),and a professional customer computer system 136 (e.g. a server computersystem) receive the translated versions from network 120. In response tothe translated versions, systems 132, 134, and 136 display likenesses ofthe mass-produced printed papers to respective users, as discussedfurther hereinbelow in connection with FIGS. 3 b through 3 bb.Aggregation system 112, content preparation system 114, and contentdelivery system 116 are all integral in an illustrative embodiment as asingle server.

For example, system 110 receives versions of periodicals from systems102 a, 102 b, and 102 c. Notably, a content publisher (e.g. a user oroperator of systems 102 a, 102 b, or 102 c) may compile different parts(or “sections”) of a periodical at different times. Before printingsections that are more volatile (e.g. more likely to change in responseto evolving newsworthy events), a content publisher (e.g. a newspaperpublisher) may print sections that are less volatile (e.g. less likelyto change in response to evolving newsworthy events).

Examples of less volatile sections of a newspaper may include aclassified advertisements section, a real estate section, and a comicssection. Examples of more volatile sections of a newspaper may include afront page or front section, a sports section, and a business section.In response to receiving different sections at different times fromsystems 102 a, 102 b, or 102 c, aggregation system 112 buffers thesections for subsequent processing by content preparation system 114.

Within system 100, the various sections of a version of a mass-producedprinted paper are stored (e.g. by systems 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, and 110)as one or more files, which may have the same or different file types,such as .pdf, tif, or any other suitable file format. Before outputtingthe files to system 110, systems 102 a, 102 b, and/or 102 c may compressand/or encrypt one or more of the files. In response to receiving one ormore compressed and/or encrypted files, system 110 suitably decompressesor decrypts them.

The file format of the version of the mass-produced printed paperreceived by system 112 from the content publisher system (e.g. 102 a,102 b, or 102 c) may not be well-suited for processing by a consumer'scomputing device such as a personal computer. For example, with such afile format, a single newspaper page may occupy more than 5 megabytes ofmemory space, so that a single daily newspaper may occupy more than 400megabytes. Moreover, a single newspaper page may render to approximately4000×7000 pixels at a 1:1 ratio, while a personal computer display mightaccommodate only 1024 horizontal pixels at any single moment.Accordingly, content preparation system 114 translates the version ofthe mass-produced printed paper from a first format to a second formatthat is more suitable for processing by a consumer's computing device.

Content preparation system 114 rasterizes, decimates, compresses, andencrypts the version received by system 112 from a content publishersystem. Content preparation system 114 translates the received versioninto a new version having one or more file types such as Windows Bitmap(.bmp) or JPEG (.jpg) files. Content preparation system 114 alsoextracts and identifies distinctive characters and terms (e.g. includingmultiple characters per term) from the received version and creates anindex that correlates such terms to their respective associatedlocations in pages of the new version.

The characters may include alphanumeric characters and other symbols,such as a picture. In response to the index, system 114 forms hyperlinkswithin the new version, so that terms are linked (through thehyperlinks) to their respective associated locations in pages of the newversion, as discussed further hereinbelow in connection with FIGS. 3b-bb. The hyperlinks may be embedded within the new version. Inaddition, from the version received by system 112, system 114 detects“hooks”(e.g. references) to other files, scripts, or websites associatedwith the version received by system 112 from the content publishersystem. In response to the detected hooks, system 114 forms hyperlinksto the associated files, scripts, or websites, such as (a) media filesthat include audio signals and/or visual images (e.g. graphics,photographs, or video), (b) a website of an advertiser in themass-produced printed paper, and (c) executable scripts. Also, inresponse to its programmed instructions, system 114 is operable toreplace a portion of the version (received by system 112 from a contentpublisher system) with other content. For example, system 114 isoperable to replace one advertisement or article (e.g. in the version ofa periodical) with another advertisement or article. One embodiment of atechnique for translating the version is shown and discussed in moredetail further hereinbelow in connection with FIG. 4.

Content preparation system 114 outputs the translated version to contentdelivery system 116. Content delivery system 116 operates as a portal tooutput such translated versions to customers (e.g. 132, 134, 136)through network 120. With a computer system (e.g. home customer computersystem 132, traveling customer computer system 134, or professionalcustomer computer system 136), a human user may receive and view suchtranslated versions. Content delivery system 116 authenticatesidentities of such customers and collects (e.g. via credit card payment)any required subscription costs or fees associated with a mass-producedprinted paper that the human user (e.g. of system 132, 134 or 136)wishes to receive and view. In response to its programmed instructions,content delivery system 116 is operable to permit a particular customerto receive and display (for viewing by a human user) only specifiedsections of a mass-produced printed paper (e.g. periodical). Forexample, the particular customer may select this option in situationswhere the customer's human user has little or no interest in othersections of such paper. By selecting fewer sections to receive anddisplay, the time required to receive and display is advantageouslyreduced.

In the display by customers 132, 134 and 136 of the translated versionof the mass-produced printed paper (for viewing by a human user), theversion appears to the human user as a likeness of the mass-producedprinted paper. The likeness is a replication or a virtual representationof the actual mass-produced printed paper. Moreover, the displayedlikeness includes additional features, such as hyperlinks betweenvarious pages within the mass-produced printed paper, hyperlinks towebsites, hyperlinks to media files, and hyperlinks to scripts that areexecutable by computer systems 132, 134, and 136. Such additionalfeatures are discussed further hereinbelow in connection with FIGS. 3 bthrough 3 bb.

In the illustrative embodiment, network 120 is a transport controlprotocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) global communications network,such as the Internet or an intranet. The communications network includesland-based and satellite-based communications devices, or alternativelyother types of communications technologies. In the illustrativeembodiment, customer computer systems 132, 134, and 136 include varioustypes of systems that are programmable to display a translated versionof a mass-produced printed paper. Examples of such computer systems area personal computer, a laptop computer, a server computer, a televisionset-top device, a handheld communications device (e.g. cellulartelephone or personal digital assistant (“PDA”)).

The number of content publisher computer systems 102 a, 102 b, and 102 cand customer computer systems 132, 134, and 136 shown in FIG. 1 is shownby way of example. The system may include any number of contentpublisher computer systems and customer computer systems and may alsoinclude multiple systems 110 and networks 120.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a representative one of computer systems132, 134 and 136. Such representative computer system is indicated bydashed enclosure 200. Each of the computer systems of FIG. 1 operates inassociation with a respective human user. Accordingly, in the example ofFIG. 2, computer system 200 operates in association with human user 202,as discussed further hereinbelow.

As shown in FIG. 2, computer system 200 includes (a) input devices 206for receiving information from human user 202, (b) a display device 208(e.g. a conventional electronic cathode ray tube (“CRT”) device) fordisplaying information to user 202, (c) a computer 204 for executing andotherwise processing instructions, (d) a print device 210 (e.g. aconventional electronic printer or plotter), (e) a nonvolatile storagedevice 211 (e.g. a hard disk drive or other computer-readable medium (orapparatus), as discussed further hereinbelow) for storing information,(f) a computer-readable medium (or apparatus) 212 (e.g. a portablefloppy diskette) for storing information, and (g) various otherelectronic circuitry for performing other operations of computer system200.

For example, computer 204 includes (a) a network interface (e.g.circuitry) for communicating between computer 204 and network 120 and(b) a memory device (e.g. random access memory (“RAM”) device and readonly memory (“ROM”) device) for storing information (e.g. instructionsexecuted by computer 204 and data operated on by computer 204 inresponse to such instructions). Accordingly, computer 204 is connectedto network 112, input devices 206, display device 208, print device 210,storage device 211, and computer-readable medium 212, as shown in FIG.2.

For example, in response to signals from computer 204, display device208 displays visual images, and user 202 views such visual images.Moreover, user 202 operates input devices 206 in order to outputinformation to computer 204, and computer 204 receives such informationfrom input devices 206. Also, in response to signals from computer 204,print device prints visual images on paper, and user 202 views suchvisual images.

Input devices 206 include, for example, a conventional electronickeyboard or keypad and a pointing device such as a conventionalelectronic “mouse”, rollerball, or light pen. User 202 operates thekeyboard or keypad to output alphanumeric text information from thekeyboard. User 202 operates the pointing device to output cursor-controlinformation to computer 204, and computer 204 receives suchcursor-control information from the pointing device.

As discussed further hereinabove in connection with FIG. 1, system 200is operable to receive, store (e.g. in a computer-readable medium) anddisplay a translated version of a mass-produced printed paper as alikeness of the mass-produced printed paper. For example, as discussedfurther hereinbelow in connection with FIGS. 3 b through 3 bb, computer204 executes a program for displaying the translated version on displaydevice 208 as a likeness of the mass-produced printed paper, and formodifying such display of the translated version in response toinformation received from user 202.

FIG. 3 a is an illustration of a screen 302 of a prior art website of amass-produced printed periodical, namely the New York Times. As shown inscreen 302, the website differs from the mass-produced printedperiodical, and the website is not a likeness of the mass-producedprinted periodical. Although the website includes hyperlinks fornavigating between various locations therein, such locations aredifferent from the mass-produced printed periodical. The website failsto include all of the content of the mass-produced printed periodical.

FIGS. 3 b through 3 bb are illustrations of screens displayable by adisplay device as a likeness of a mass-produced printed paper (e.g.periodical). In the following discussion, the display device (e.g.display device 208) is part of a human user's associated computingdevice (e.g. computer system 200). In response to the user's operationof a pointing device (e.g. of input devices 206), the computing deviceperforms the various operations discussed further hereinbelow inconnection with FIGS. 3 b through 3 bb.

For example, the computing device is operable to: (a) in response to theuser's operation of the pointing device, reposition a pointer (or othercursor indicator) to a user-selected location on the screen; and (b) inresponse to the user's activation of a switch on the pointing device,perform an operation associated with the user-selected location (e.g.hyperlink). Such a pointer (or other cursor indicator) is used inconnection with the screens of FIGS. 3 b through 3 bb for initiatingperformance of the various operations discussed further hereinbelow. Apointer 303 is shown in FIG. 3 b but, for clarity, is not shown in FIGS.3c through 3 bb.

FIG. 3 b is an illustration of a screen 304 displayable by the displaydevice. Screen 304 is a likeness of a mass-produced printed paper (e.g.a periodical, such as the New York Times). As shown in FIG. 3 b, thelikeness preserves the actual appearance of the mass-produced printedperiodical. In such a manner, with the computing device, the user mayview a likeness of all pages of the mass-produced printed periodical,including all articles, advertisements, and other content thereof.Accordingly, the likeness preserves the actual appearance of articles,pages, and sections of the mass-produced printed periodical. Asdiscussed further hereinbelow, the computing device displays thelikeness along with additional features and functions.

FIG. 3 c is an illustration of a screen 306, and FIG. 3 d is anillustration of a screen 308 displayable by the display device. FIG. 3 dshows a reader window 307 b which supports the user's closer view of aparticular article or portion of a periodical. For example, the user maywish to more closely view an article indicated by a dashed enclosure 307a in FIG. 3 c. With the pointing device, the user selects this articlefor display within reader window 307 b, as for example by “doubleclicking” within dashed enclosure 307 a (i.e. in rapid succession, twiceactivating a switch of the pointing device at a moment when the pointeris located within dashed enclosure 307 a). As shown in FIG. 3 d, readerwindow 307 b displays article 307 a (or other user-selected portion ofthe periodical) in an enlarged format, while the display devicecontinues to concurrently display the original screen 306 in thebackground. With the continued display of the original screen 306 in thebackground, the user is more readily able to maintain his or her visualorientation on the page. The user may return to the view in screen 306by any suitable technique, such as closing the reader window 307 b or by“clicking” on the background portion of screen 308 (i.e. activating aswitch of the pointing device at a moment when the pointer is located onthe background portion of screen 308).

FIG. 3 e is an illustration of a toolbar 309 displayable by the displaydevice. By clicking on one or more buttons of toolbar 309, the usercommands the computing device to perform specified operations with thedisplayed likeness of the periodical. For example, by clicking asuitable one of buttons 310 a, the user commands the computing device todisplay either a first, a previous, a next, or a last page of theperiodical. By clicking a button 310 b, the user commands the computingdevice to display a user-specified section or user-specified page of theperiodical. By clicking a button 310 c, the user commands the computingdevice to search within the periodical for occurrences a user-specifiedterm. By clicking a suitable one of buttons 311 a and 311 b, the usercommands the computing device to display a top half or a bottom half ofa page that is being then currently displayed by the computing device.For example, if a user is viewing the top half of a page such as screen306 of FIG. 3 c, the computing device displays the bottom half of thesame page in response to the user clicking button 311 b. Accordingly,the buttons of toolbar 309 allow the user to efficiently view differentportions of the periodical.

FIG. 3 f is an illustration of a screen 312, and FIG. 3 g is anillustration of a screen 316 displayable by the display device. FIGS. 3f and 3 g illustrate panning across a then currently displayed page.Accordingly, in the example of FIGS. 3 e and 3 f, a user may cause thecomputing device to display screen 316 by panning across screen 312 inthe direction of arrow 314. As shown in FIGS. 3 f and 3 g by theoverlapping portions of screens 312 and 316, screens 312 and 316 displaydifferent parts of the same page of a periodical. In one embodiment, auser causes the panning by “dragging” the pointer (i.e. moving thepointer while simultaneously activating a switch of the pointing device.The user may pan across the page in any direction up to the page'sborders.

FIG. 3 h is an illustration of a screen 318, and FIG. 3 i is anillustration of a screen 320 displayable by the display device. FIGS. 3h and 3 i illustrate zooming in and zooming out of a then currentlydisplayed page. Referring also to FIG. 3 j, in response to the userclicking on a zoom in button 326, the computing device magnifies thepage. In response to the user clicking on a zoom out button 324, thecomputing device demagnifies the page. In FIG. 3 i, screen 320 is amagnified (zoomed in) version of screen 318. In FIG. 3 h, screen 318 isa demagnified (zoomed out) version of screen 320.

FIG. 3 k is an illustration of a screen 328 displayable by the displaydevice. FIG. 3 k shows buttons that are clickable by a user toefficiently navigate within a displayed likeness of a periodical, suchas buttons 330 and button 332. For example, many periodicals, such asnewspapers include multiple sections such as business, sports, and arts.In response to the user clicking on a suitable on of buttons 330, thecomputing device promptly displays a section associated with the clickedbutton. For example, in response to the user clicking the button labeled“Arts,” the computing device promptly displays a likeness of theperiodical's “Arts” section. Also, in response to the user clickingbutton 332, the computing device displays a pull down menu that listsdisplayable sections and/or pages of the periodical. From the menu, withthe pointing device, a user may select a particular section or page fordisplay by the computing device.

FIG. 3 l is an illustration of a screen 334, a screen 336, and a screen338 displayable by the display device. Screen 334 shows hyperlinks 340and 344 that system 110 (FIG. 1) forms and embeds within the translatedversion. In response to the user clicking such a hyperlink, the computersystem performs an operation associated with the hyperlink.

In FIG. 3 l, hyperlinks 340 and 344 are highlighted by ellipsessurrounding the hyperlinks. The user is able to select among variousalternatives for highlighting the hyperlinks, as shown in FIG. 3 m. Asindicated in menu box 348 of FIG. 3 m, the user is able to select thelink style and color of indicators for highlighting the hyperlinks. InFIG. 5, the user-selectable link styles are plain text, ellipse, square,geometric, and browser style, and a wide variety of colors areselectable by the user.

In many mass-produced printed periodicals, articles begin on one page ofthe periodical and continue to one or more other pages. A portion of anarticle may include a term or a phrase that indicates the location ofanother portion of the article. Examples of such terms or phrases are“continued on page #,”“see story on page#,” or simply “page _.”

System 110 (a) detects such terms and phrases, and (b) in responsethereto, forms hyperlinks between various pages within the periodical,so that multiple portions of an article are hyperlinked together betweensuch pages. In that manner, by selectively clicking the hyperlinks(formed and embedded by system 110 within the translated version that isdisplayed by the user's associated computing device), the user is ableto more efficiently navigate within the displayed likeness of theperiodical. As shown in FIG. 31, such hyperlinks 340 are displayed bythe computing device within the likeness of the periodical. Anembodiment of this technique is discussed further hereinbelow inconnection with FIG. 6. Referring again to FIG. 3 l, in response to theuser clicking a suitable one of hyperlinks 340, the computing devicepromptly displays the hyperlink's associated page (screen 336) asindicated by arrow 342.

Mass-produced printed periodicals may also include website addresses,such as http://www.nytimes.com or www.nytimes.com. System 110 (a)detects such addresses, and (b) in response thereto, forms hyperlinkswithin the periodical to the website addresses. In this manner, byselectively clicking the hyperlinks (formed and embedded by system 110within the translated version that is displayed by the user's associatedcomputing device), the user is able to more efficiently navigate to thewebsites. As shown in FIG. 3 l, such hyperlinks (e.g. hyperlink 344) aredisplayed by the computing device within the likeness of the periodical.An embodiment of this technique is discussed further hereinbelow inconnection with FIG. 6. Referring again to FIG. 3 l, in response to theuser clicking hyperlink 344 (associated with the website addresswww.nytimes.com), the computing device promptly displays the hyperlink'sassociated website (screen 338) as indicated by arrow 346.

FIG. 3 n is an illustration of a screen 374 and a screen 376 displayableby the display device. FIG. 3 o is an illustration of a screen 360, FIG.3 p is an illustration of a screen 366, and FIG. 3 q is an illustrationof a screen 370 displayable by the display device. FIGS. 3 n, 3 o, 3 p,and 3 q show an operation of hooks within the displayed periodical, asdiscussed further hereinabove in connection with FIG. 1. An embodimentof a technique for detecting hook definitions, and forming hyperlinks inresponse thereto, is discussed further hereinbelow in connection withFIG. 4.

FIG. 3 n shows an example of such a hyperlink (within the displayedperiodical) to a website. In the example of FIG. 3 n, in response to theuser clicking a region 378 within screen 374, the computer systemdisplays screen 376 as indicated by arrow 380. Screen 376 is a websitepage that is associated with the hyperlink embedded within region 378.The website may be an advertiser's website or any other websitespecified in the hook definition by the publisher of the periodical. Inthis manner, a user efficiently navigates from a portion (e.g. region)of the periodical's likeness to a website associated with such portion.The portion may be an advertisement, as shown in the example of FIG. 3n, or may be any other type of content in the periodical.

FIGS. 3 o, 3 p, and 3 q show an example of such a hyperlink (within thedisplayed periodical) to a media file. In the example of FIGS. 3 o, 3 p,and 3 q, in response to the user clicking a region 362 within screen360, the computer system reads a media file (associated with thehyperlink embedded within region 362) and displays visual frames inresponse thereto, including frames 364, 368 and 372. Frames 364, 368,and 372 may be displayed as successive still-frame images and/orcontinuous video images, according to the type of media file. Moreover,the media file may include audio information in addition to (or insteadof) visual frames and, if so, the computer system outputs audio inresponse thereto.

In one example, the computer system reads the media file in response toa script. In such example, the script is associated with the hyperlinkembedded within region 362, and the computer system initiates executionof the script in response to the user clicking region 362. In responseto such a script, the computer system may (a) read any number or type ofmedia files, in response to which the computer system displays and/oroutputs visual frames and/or audio, (b) display a website or othercontent from the Internet, (c) prompt the user to specify additionalinformation, and/or (d) read information from a computer-readablemedium.

FIG. 3 r is an illustration of a screen 350, and FIG. 3 s is anillustration of a screen 354 displayable by the display device. FIGS. 3r and 3 s show the selective insertion or replacement of content withinthe displayed likeness of the periodical. More specifically, FIGS. 3 rand 3 s show an example of targeted advertising, in which a portion of apage in the displayed likeness is customized (e.g. based on the user'sdemographic profile). The scope of the profile may be national,regional, or individual. Based on information of the profile, system 100customizes the page, as for example by selectively inserting (within thepage) an advertising message to a particular user or a group of users.

For example, the pages displayed in screens 350 and 354 are identical,except for advertisements 352 and 356 which appear in the upper leftcorner of screens 350 and 354, respectively. Advertisements 352 and 356are useful for different users with different demographic profiles.Information in a demographic profile may be gathered from a variety ofsources including the user, the user's computing device, and datagathering businesses or organizations. In response to such information,a publisher or advertiser is able to select advertisements (insertedwithin the displayed page) for different users or groups of users.

In one embodiment, publishers 102 a, 102 b and/or 102 c insert aselected advertisement before or during transmission of a version tosystem 110. In another embodiment, system 110 inserts a selectedadvertisement in the course of translating the version of theperiodical. In response to its programmed instructions, system 110 isoperable to perform such insertion in response to information from thepublisher or another source.

Although FIGS. 3 r and 3 s show an example of replacing advertisementsin a version of a periodical, other portions of the version may likewisebe replaced. For example, for a periodical with a national scope, system110 may insert regionally oriented content for a select group of usersby replacing certain nationally oriented content. Such replacement mayoccur anywhere in the likeness.

FIG. 3 t is an illustration of a screen 390, FIG. 3 u is an illustrationof a screen 392, FIG. 3 v is an illustration of a screen 396, FIG. 3 wis an illustration of a screen 404, and FIG. 3 x is an illustration of ascreen 408 displayable by the display device. As shown in FIGS. 3 t, 3u, 3 v, 3 w, and 3 x, predetermined portions of the displayed likenessare selectable by the user for performing operations such as copying,pasting, printing, or storing.

Publishers of periodicals may be concerned about possible unauthorizeduse of content in the periodicals. Accordingly, publishers may wish toprevent all or specified portions of the translated versions ofperiodicals from being copied, pasted, printed, or stored by users.Publishers may also wish to permit all or specified portions of thetranslated versions to be selectable by users for copying, pasting,printing, or storing. For example, publishers may wish to permit usersto perform such operations on crossword puzzles, coupons, or otherspecified portions.

Referring to FIG. 3 t, the user is able to operate the pointing devicefor determining which portions, if any, of screen 390 may be copied,pasted, printed, or stored. As shown in FIG. 3 u, in response to theuser activating a switch (e.g. a right mouse button) on the pointingdevice, the user's associated computing device displays a menu 394,which shows a “Select” option for the user to highlight user-selectable(for copying, pasting, printing, or storing) portions of the displayedlikeness. In response to the user clicking on the “Select” option, thecomputing device displays screen 396 of FIG. 3 v.

In screen 396, portions 398, 400, and 402 (the highlighted portions) areselectable by the user for copying, pasting, printing, or storing.Accordingly, the user may select one of these highlighted portions byclicking on it, as shown in screen 404 of FIG. 3 w in which the user hasclicked portion 398 (the highlighted portion). After selecting ahighlighted portion (e.g. portion 398 in FIG. 3 w), the user may causethe computing device to display a menu 411, which allows the user toselect an operation for the computing device to perform on the selectedportion.

For example, by clicking a “Print” option of menu 411 as shown in FIG. 3x, the user commands the computing device to print a hardcopy ofselected portion 398, as shown by a copy 412 of the selection portionappearing on a printed page 414. By clicking a “Copy” option of menu411, the user commands the computing device to copy selected portion 398into the computing device's memory. After such copying, the user is ableto click a “Paste” option while viewing a different file or document, sothat the computing device pastes the copied selected portion 398 intothe different file or document. By clicking another suitable option, theuser commands the computing device to store selected portion 398 in acomputer-readable medium (e.g. a virtual file cabinet portion of acomputer-readable medium), which may store multiple selected portionsfor subsequent access by the user.

FIG. 3 y is an illustration of a menu box 420 displayable by the displaydevice. As shown in FIG. 3 y, the user is able to command the computingdevice to search one or more periodicals. As discussed furtherhereinbelow, the search may include periodicals that are either receivedby the user's associated computing device or stored on a remote server.As shown in FIG. 3 y, the user may enter (e.g. by typing with thekeyboard) a term (e.g. “fishing”) in box 422, so that the computingdevice searches the periodicals for occurrences of such term. As shownin FIG. 3 y, the computing device displays the search results in box 424as a list of indicators, which include the page, the issue, and theperiodical name for each occurrence. In response to the user selecting(e.g. by clicking) one of the results in box 424, the computing devicedisplays the content of the selected result. A user may display one ofthe results by selecting its corresponding indicator in box 424.

FIG. 3 z is an illustration of a menu box 430, FIG. 3 aa is anillustration of a menu box 440, and FIG. 3 bb is an illustration of amenu box 446 displayable by the display device. As shown in FIGS. 3 z, 3aa, and 3 bb, the user is able to specify one or more “watch list” termsfor intelligent agent software of system 100 to automatically identifyin searching periodicals. For example, the user may want to know whetherperiodicals include the specified “watch list” terms, but withoutrequiring the user to repetitively specify such terms and repetitivelyinitiate the search on multiple dates (e.g. each date when the user'scomputer system receives a new version of a periodical). As shown inFIGS. 3 z, 3 aa, and 3 bb, the user may specify “watch list” terms on asingle date, so that such terms are thereafter automatically searchedand identified by intelligent agent software of system 100 in responseto received periodicals.

With menu box 430 of FIG. 3 z, the user is able to selectively enable ordisable the intelligent agent software by clicking a suitable one ofindicators 432. After enabling the intelligent agent software, the usermay select “Add String” button 436 or “Remove String” button 438 toselectively add or remove available “watch list” terms for theintelligent agent software to search. As shown in FIG. 3 z, the selected“watch list” terms appear in box 434, along with their respectivelyassociated types of periodicals for the intelligent agent software tosearch.

As shown in FIG. 3 aa, menu box 442 allows the user to specify a “watchlist” term (e.g. by typing with the keyboard), along with itsrespectively associated one or more types of periodicals for theintelligent agent software to search. In the example of FIG. 3 aa, thetypes of periodicals include newspapers, magazines, and journals. Asshown in the example of FIG. 3 aa, the user has specified “fishing” as a“watch list” term and has selected “newspapers” as the respectivelyassociated type of periodical to be searched for such term by theintelligent agent software.

After the intelligent agent software performs a search, the user'sassociated computing device displays the results in a results box 446,as shown in FIG. 3 bb. Results box 446 includes a message 448, whichindicates whether any “watch list” term was identified by the search.Also results box 448 includes a box 450 which lists any identified“watch list” terms, along with their respectively associated locationsin the periodicals. In response to the user selecting (e.g. by clicking)one of the listings in box 450, the computing device displays theselected term within other content of its respectively associatedlocation (in the displayed likeness of the periodical).

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of an operation performed bysystem 110 (e.g. by content preparation system 114) for translating adigital version of a mass-produced printed paper. In the operation ofFIG. 4, system 110 translates a version of a mass-produced printed paperfrom a first format provided by the content publisher system (e.g. 102a, 102 b, or 102 c of FIG. 1) into a second format suitable forprocessing by a consumer's computing device. As shown in FIG. 4, system110 stores the translated version in distribution database 470, which isaccessible through a communications network (e.g. network 120 of FIG.1).

The operation illustrated in FIG. 4 includes two separate paths, both ofwhich are performed by system 110. In a first path, as indicated in astep 462, system 110 forms hyperlinks within an original page 460. Moreparticularly, system 110 detects hooks to external information (e.g.files, scripts, or websites) associated with the version received bysystem 110 from the content publisher system. A hook (e.g. reference) isa pointer to external information, and the hook identifies a portion oforiginal page 460 that is associated with such external information.

In the illustrative embodiment, if the external information is anassociated file or script, system 110 outputs the external information(within the translated version) to customers (e.g. 132, 134, 136)through network 120. Within the translated version, the hooks are storedin a table as hook definitions, so that they are detectable by customers(e.g. 132, 134, 136). In displaying the likeness of a mass-producedprinted paper, such customers display highlighted hyperlinks that areassociated with such hooks.

In the operation 462 of forming hyperlinks, system 114 is operable toreplace a portion of the version (received by system 112 from a contentpublisher system) with other content (e.g. based on the user'sdemographic profile), as discussed further hereinabove in connectionwith FIG. 1. For example, in response to its programmed instructions,system 114 is operable to replace one advertisement or article (e.g. ina portion of original page 460) with another advertisement or article,as discussed further hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 3 r and 3 s.

In one example, such replacement occurs for some users having aparticular profile, but does not occur for other users having adifferent profile. The information in a profile may include traditionaldemographic information such as sex, age, and residence and may alsoinclude commercial information such as shopping patterns, buyingpreferences, or user interests. System 110 is operable to receive suchcommercial information from e-commerce websites or other informationgathering organizations.

As described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 3 t, 3 u, 3 v, 3 w,and 3 x, predetermined portions of the displayed likeness are selectableby the user for performing operations such as copying, pasting,printing, or storing. Accordingly, publishers (e.g. 102 a, 102 b, or 102c of FIG. 1) may wish to prevent all or specified portions of theoriginal page 460 from being copied, pasted, printed, or stored byusers. Publishers may also wish to permit all or specified portions ofthe original page 460 to be selectable by users for copying, pasting,printing, or storing. In step 462, system 110 identifies such portionsas specified by the publisher, and system 110 forms information withinoriginal page 460, so that the user's computing device detects suchportions and permits the user to select such portions for copying,pasting, printing, or storing.

Also, in the first path, as indicated in a step 464, system 110rasterizes and decimates original page 460. In that manner, system 110forms a rasterized version of original page 460 and stores therasterized version as a bitmap, gif, or jpeg file. In the space abovethe masthead, original page 460 includes information regarding itsformat and layout. For example, system 110 detects the presence of aPantone or gray-scale bar (indicating whether the page is a color pageor a black and white one) and the presence of registration marks (e.g.marks that delineate the top, bottom, left, and right margins). System110 saves color pages as 256-bit color images and black and white pagesas smaller monochrome images. In comparison to original page 460, therasterized version of original page 460 may be significantly smaller insize.

After rasterizing original page 460, system 110 decimates the rasterizedversion to form a decimated page 466. In that manner, system 110physically reduces the rasterized version in size, so that decimatedpage 466 is suitable for display on a user's computing device. Further,system 110 compresses and encrypts decimated page 466, as indicated in astep 468. System 110 stores the compressed and encrypted version(“translated version”) of decimated page 466 in a distribution database470. In view of the compression, such version is more readilytransferred by system 110 through network 120. In view of theencryption, system 110 is operable to transfer such version through anunsecure portion of network 120 in a manner that controls legible accessto such version's content in response to a key.

In a second path of the operation illustrated in FIG. 4, as indicated ina step 472, system 110 identifies terms from original page 460 andstores them in a file. Within the file, system 110 identifies andremoves non-distinctive terms (e.g. pronouns and conjunctions). Inresponse to the remaining terms in the file, system 110 creates an indexthat correlates such terms to their respective associated locations inthe translated version, as indicated in a step 474. In response to theindex, system 110 forms hyperlinks within the translated version, sothat terms are linked (through the hyperlinks) to their respectiveassociated locations in pages of the translated version, as discussedfurther hereinbelow in connection with FIG. 6.

System 110 references such locations in the form of an approximatedCartesian (X,Y) coordinate address within the translated version, inwhich the numeric variable X identifies a particular row of pixels andthe numeric variable Y identifies a particular column of pixels. Inresponse to the index, the user's computing device performs searches foroccurrences of user-specified terms, as described further hereinabove inconnection with FIG. 3 y. Also, system 110 incorporates the translatedversion's index into an aggregate index. In response to the aggregateindex, system 110 performs searches for occurrences of terms in currentand archived versions of mass-produced printed papers.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of a format for storing thetranslated version on a computer-readable medium. The translated versionincludes a header 500, a page map 502, a link map 504, an index 506,rasterized pages 508, and external media 510.

Header 500 includes information about the content of the translatedversion, such as the title, the issue date, and the number of rasterizedpages 508. Page map 502 includes file names of rasterized pages 508 andof external media 510. Link map 504 includes a table of hyperlinks forthe translated version. Index 506 includes terms and pointer lists forthe translated version, as discussed further hereinabove in connectionwith FIG. 4. Rasterized pages 508 include a rasterized page file perpage of the mass-produced printed paper. External media 510 includesexternal media files that are referenced by hooks.

A user's associated computer system receives the translated version inthe format of FIG. 5. In response to user-specified selections, contentdelivery system 116 is operable to permit a particular customer toreceive and display (for viewing by the user) only specified sections ofthe mass-produced printed paper. For example, the user may wish toreceive and view only the business section and the sports section of theNew York Times. In response to the user-specified selections, contentdelivery system 116 permits the particular customer to receive anddisplay (for viewing by the user) the specified sections' respectivelyassociated rasterized pages (of rasterized page 508) as separate files,so that rasterized pages of other sections are not received anddisplayed by the particular customer.

By receiving and displaying rasterized pages 508 as separate files,users achieve various advantages, even if such users wish to receive andview all sections of the mass-produced printed paper. For example, itmay be more efficient for the user's associated computer system toreceive and display several small files instead of one large file.Moreover, with such a technique, system 100 is more readily implementedwith a ZMODEM-like restart procedure to recover from an interruptedtransmission. Also, such a technique more readily permits sale anddistribution of sections (of the mass-produced printed paper)individually, instead of mandating a sale and distribution of the entiremass-produced printed paper.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation performed bysystem 110 for forming hyperlinks within the translated version. Asdescribed further hereinabove in connection with FIG. 3 l, in manymass-produced printed periodicals, articles begin on one page of theperiodical and continue to one or more other pages. A portion of anarticle may include a term or a phrase that indicates the location ofanother portion of the article. Examples of such terms or phrases are“continued on page #,”“see story on page#,” or simply “page #.”

FIG. 6 describes an operation performed by system 110 for forminghyperlinks between pages of the translated version of such a periodical.In that manner, by selectively clicking the hyperlinks (formed andembedded by system 110 within the translated version that is displayedby the user's associated computing device), the user is able to moreefficiently navigate within the displayed likeness of the periodical. Asshown in FIG. 3 l, such hyperlinks 340 are displayed by the computingdevice within the likeness of the periodical.

The operation begins at a step 602, at which system 110 reads a nextword from a page. At a next step 604, system 110 determines whether theword appears in a phrase table 606. Phrase table 606 includes variousphrases that indicate continuation of an article to another page. Thesephrases may be in a variety of languages, as indicated in FIG. 6.

In step 604, if the word does not appear in phrase table 606, theoperation continues to a step 610. At step 610, system 110 determineswhether the end of the page has been reached. If the end of the page hasnot been reached, then the operation returns to step 602. If the end ofthe page has been reached, the operation continues to a step 612, atwhich system 110 initiates processing a next page (if any) and returnsto step 602.

Referring again to step 604, if the word appears in phrase table 606,the operation continues to a step 608. At step 608, system 110determines whether the word is part of a phrase in the page, and whethersuch phrase appears in phrase table 606. If such a phrase does notappear in phrase table 606, the operation continues to step 610. If sucha phrase appears in phrase table 606, the operation continues to a step614, at which system 110 reads a next word from the page.

After step 614, the operation continues to a step 616, at which system110 determines whether such next word is a page number. If such nextword is not a page number, the operation returns to step 602. If suchnext word is a page number, the operation continues to a step 618, atwhich system 110 determines whether such page number is associated withan existing page.

If such page number is not associated with an existing page, theoperation returns to step 602. If such page number is associated with anexisting page, the operation continues to a step 620, at which system110 adds such page number and a location of such phrase (i.e. the phrasethat precedes such page number within the current page) to a link table.In response to the link table, system 110 forms a hyperlink within thetranslated version, so that the location of such phrase (within thecurrent page) is linked to the other existing page that is associatedwith such page number.

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, and 7 d are a flowchart of an embodiment ofoperations performed by a customer (e.g. 132, 134, 136) for performingvarious functions within the translated version. The operation begins ata step 702, at which the customer determines whether its associated userhas selected an indicator associated with a hyperlink. If so, theoperation continues to a step 704.

At step 704, the customer determines whether the hyperlink points to apage in the mass-produced printed paper. If so, the operation continuesto a step 706, at which the customer displays the page for viewing bythe user. FIG. 3 l is an illustration of such a function. After step706, the operation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 704, if the hyperlink does not point to a pagein the mass-produced printed paper, the operation continues to a step708. At step 708, the customer determines whether the hyperlink pointsto a website. If so, the operation continues to a step 710, at which thecustomer displays the website for viewing by the user. FIGS. 3 l and 3 mare illustrations of such a function. After step 710, the operationreturns to step 702.

Referring again to step 708, if the hyperlink does not point to awebsite, the operation continues to a step 712. At step 712, thecustomer determines whether the hyperlink points to a media file. If so,the operation continues to a step 714, at which the customer displays orplays the media file, according to the type of media file. FIGS. 3 o, 3p, and 3 qare illustrations of such a function. After step 714, theoperation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 712, if the hyperlink does not point to a mediafile, the operation continues to a step 716. At step 716, the customerdetermines whether the hyperlink points to a script. If so, theoperation continues to a step 718, at which the customer executes thescript. After step 718, the operation returns to step 702. Referringagain to step 716, if the hyperlink does not point to a script, theoperation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 702, if the customer determines that the userhas not selected an indicator associated with a hyperlink, the operationcontinues to a step 720. At step 720, the customer determines whetherthe user has selected an indicator associated with a section in themass-produced printed paper. If so, the operation continues to a step722, at which the customer displays the section for viewing by the user.FIG. 3 k is an illustration of such indicators (buttons 330). After step722, the operation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 720, if the customer determines that the userhas not selected an indicator associated with a section in themass-produced printed paper, the operation continues to a step 724. Atstep 724, the customer determines whether the user has selected a zoomfunction, such as magnification (zoom in) or demagnification (zoom out)of a displayed portion of the mass-produced printed paper. If so, theoperation continues to a step 726, at which the customer performs thezoom function. FIGS. 3 h, 3 i, and 3 j are illustrations of such afunction. After step 726, the operation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 724, if the customer determines that the userhas not selected a zoom function, the operation continues to a step 728.At step 728, the customer determines whether the user has selected a panfunction. If so, the operation continues to a step 730, at which thecustomer performs the pan function. FIGS. 3 f and 3 g are illustrationsof such a function. After step 730, the operation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 728, if the customer determines that the userhas not selected a pan function, the operation continues to a step 732.At step 732, the customer determines whether the user has selected anindicator to highlight selectable portions of the mass-produced printedpaper. If so, the operation continues to a step 734, at which thecustomer highlights the selectable portions for viewing by the user.After step 734, the operation continues to a step 736.

At step 736, the operation self-loops until the user has selected aselectable portion. After step 736, the operation continues to a step738, at which the customer performs a user-specified function on theuser-selected portion. FIGS. 3 t, 3 u, 3 v, 3 w, and 3 x areillustrations of such functions of steps 732, 734, 736 and 738. Afterstep 738, the operation returns to step 702.

Referring again to step 732, if the user has not selected an indicatorto highlight selectable portions of the mass-produced printed paper, theoperation continues to a step 740. At step 740, the customer determineswhether the user has selected a search. If not, the operation returns tostep 702. Conversely, if the user has selected a search, the operationcontinues to a step 742, at which the customer receives a search termfrom the user.

After step 742, the operation continues to a step 744, at which thecustomer performs the search. After step 744, the operation continues toa step 746, at which the customer displays results of the search forviewing by the user. After step 746, the operation continues to a step748.

At step 748, the operation self-loops until the user has selected anindicator associated with a particular search result. After step 748,the operation continues to a step 750, at which the customer displays aportion of the mass-produced printed paper (associated with theparticular search result) for viewing by the user, in response to theuser's selection of the indicator. FIG. 3y is an illustration of menubox 420 for the user to select a search. After step 750, the operationreturns to step 702.

In addition to the functions of FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and 7 d, thecustomer performs other functions. Moreover, the functions of FIGS. 7 a,7 b, 7 c and 7 d are subject to chronological reordering, and thecustomer may perform them independently of one another in any order orconcurrently.

FIG. 8 a is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation performed bythe customer for creating a list of watch list terms. The operationbegins at a step 802, at which the customer receives (from itsassociated user) a watch list term. At a next step 804, the customerreceives (from the user) a selection of mass-produced printed papertypes for the watch list term.

At a next step 806, the customer adds the watch list term to a watchlist. At a next step 808, the customer determines whether the user hasspecified another watch list term. If so, the operation returns to step802. Conversely, if the user has not specified another watch list term,the operation ends. FIGS. 3 z and 3 aa are illustrations of menu boxes430 and 440 for the user to specify one or more watch list terms.

FIG. 8 b is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operation performed bythe customer for searching mass-produced printed papers in response tothe list of watch list terms. The operation begins at a step 822, atwhich the customer receives one or more mass-produced printed papersfrom system 110. At a next step 824, the customer searches the receivedpapers for occurrences of the watch list terms. In one embodiment, thissearch may include searching for the watch list terms in an index. Inother embodiments, this search may be performed in other ways.

At a next step 826, the customer displays results of the search forviewing by the user. At a next step 828, the operation self-loops untilthe user selects an indicator associated with a particular searchresult. At a next step 830, the customer displays a portion of themass-produced printed paper (associated with the particular searchresult) for viewing by the user, in response to the user's selection ofthe indicator. After step 830, the operation ends. FIG. 3 bb is anillustration of results box 446 for the user to view and select resultsof the search.

Referring again to FIG. 2, computer-readable medium 212 is a floppydiskette. Computer-readable medium 212 and computer 204 are structurallyand functionally interrelated with one another as discussed furtherhereinbelow. Each computing device of the illustrative embodiment isstructurally and functionally interrelated with a respectivecomputer-readable medium, similar to the manner in which computer 204 isstructurally and functionally interrelated with computer-readable medium212. In that regard, computer-readable medium 212 is a representativeone of such computer-readable media, including for example but notlimited to computer-readable medium 214.

Computer-readable medium 212 stores (or encodes, or records, orembodies) functional descriptive material (e.g. including but notlimited to software (also referred to as computer programs orapplications) and data structures). Such functional descriptive materialimparts functionality when encoded on computer-readable medium 212.Also, such functional descriptive material is structurally andfunctionally interrelated to computer-readable medium 212.

Within such functional descriptive material, data structures definestructural and functional interrelationships between such datastructures and computer-readable medium 212 (and other aspects ofcomputer 204, computer system 200 and system 100). Suchinterrelationships permit the data structures'functionality to berealized. Also, within such functional descriptive material, computerprograms define structural and functional interrelationships betweensuch computer programs and computer-readable medium 212 (and otheraspects of computer 204, computer system 200 and system 100). Suchinterrelationships permit the computer programs'functionality to berealized.

For example, computer 204 reads (or accesses, or copies) such functionaldescriptive material from computer-readable medium 212 into the memorydevice of computer 204, and computer 204 performs its operations (asdiscussed elsewhere herein) in response to such material which is storedin the memory device of computer 204. More particularly, computer 204performs the operation of processing a computer application (that isstored, encoded, recorded or embodied on a computer-readable medium) forcausing computer 204 to perform additional operations (as discussedelsewhere herein). Accordingly, such functional descriptive materialexhibits a functional interrelationship with the way in which computer204 executes its processes and performs its operations.

Further, the computer-readable medium is an apparatus from which thecomputer application is accessible by computer 204, and the computerapplication is processable by computer 204 for causing computer 204 toperform such additional operations. In addition to reading suchfunctional descriptive material from computer-readable medium 212,computer 204 is capable of reading such functional descriptive materialfrom (or through) network 116 which is also a computer-readable medium(or apparatus). Moreover, the memory device of computer 204 is itself acomputer-readable medium (or apparatus).

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modifications, change and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of theembodiment may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly.

1. A method performed by a computer system, comprising: on a first date,receiving a watch list term that is specified by a user; receiving anelectronic version of a paper on a second date after the first date, andsearching the electronic version for the watch list term, without theuser specifying the watch list term after the first date, and withoutthe user initiating the searching after the first date; and outputting aresult of the searching for display on a display device.
 2. The methodof claim 1 and comprising: in response to a selection of the result,displaying a likeness of a portion of the paper on the display device,wherein the watch list term is located in the portion.
 3. A system,comprising: a computing device for: on a first date, receiving a watchlist term that is specified by a user; receiving an electronic versionof a paper on a second date after the first date, and searching theelectronic version for the watch list term, without the user specifyingthe watch list term after the first date, and without the userinitiating the searching after the first date; and outputting a resultof the searching for display on a display device.
 4. The system of claim3 wherein the computing device is for: in response to a selection of theresult, displaying a likeness of a portion of the paper on the displaydevice, wherein the watch list term is located in the portion.
 5. Acomputer program product, comprising: a computer program processable bya computer system for causing the computer system to: on a first date,receive a watch list term that is specified by a user; receive anelectronic version of a paper on a second date after the first date, andsearch the electronic version for the watch list term, without the userspecifying the watch list term after the first date, and without theuser initiating the search after the first date; and output a result ofthe searching for display on a display device; and apparatus from whichthe computer program is accessible by the computer system.
 6. Thecomputer program product of claim 5 wherein the computer program isprocessable by the computer system for causing the computer system to:in response to a selection of the result, display a likeness of aportion of the paper on the display device, wherein the watch list termis located in the portion.